VP Spotlight: Kaitlyn Shore, Sponsorship
Every month, we’re shining the spotlight on a BCITMA Vice President and November’s VP Spotlight is on Kaitlyn Shore! Katie leads the Sponsorship committee as they develop and maintain relationships with the club’s sponsors, raise money and item donations for the organization, and make all of our events possible.
Let’s get to know Katie better!
Katie Shore
Cristina Melo: Hi Katie! Can you give us a quick, 30-second introduction of yourself?
Katie Shore: I’m Katie. I’m in my second year of the Marketing Communications program. I came to BCIT after completing a creative writing and English degree and working in retail. I really liked the business aspect of retail, but I also liked using my creative side, so I felt like marketing would be a lit decision. I also love dogs. That’s fundamental to me as a person.
CM: What were you doing before you came to BCIT?
KS: I started a creative writing program at Capilano University right out of high school, then I took a year off to travel and work. After that, I went back to SFU and finished my degree in English Literature. I loved that but I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with it so I went travelling again. When I got home, I kind of stumbled into a job at Lush. I worked there for four years and ended up in a management role supervising and training employees and doing some ordering. I learned a lot about as I did brand and product training and got really into it. I started to love that aspect of marketing, as well as the management side of it because I was developing employees and supporting them through the training process. I learned to love the business processes and realized that I wanted to have a part in building brands and driving sales in organizations.
CM: Why did you decide to get involved with the MA?
KS: I’m a pretty big keener, so I knew I was going to join the MA like six months before I started BCIT. I was doing a ton of research on BCIT and the marketing program and found that the school puts a lot of emphasis on getting involved in student organizations. I found the MA’s website and decided that was it! I had no idea I wanted to do sponsorship until the first MA meeting, though. There, Sponsorship really stuck out to me because I really loved the selling aspect of working in retail. I was pretty good at it too and I thought it would be a good idea to continue building on my sales experience to keep my options open for the future. So I joined the sponsorship committee last year. There was only five of us on the committee, and this year we have 10 people. It’s very exciting.
CM: What does the sponsorship committee do?
KS: Primarily, we connect with financial sponsors. We have both new and continuing sponsors for the club and our special events, so myself and my directors are responsible for connecting with them. We also get in-kind donations for things like the Schmooze silent auction and guest speakers. But the most important thing we do is make sure we’re always providing value to our sponsors. My priority is to ensure that we know what our sponsors want from the sponsorship relationship, follow up with them, and exceed their expectations.
CM: What’s been your biggest accomplishment as VP of Sponsorship so far?
KS: The committee’s biggest accomplishment so far this year is definitely the amount of donations we’ve collected. By October, we had exceeded the goal for the organization for the entire year, which is really exciting. But I’m also really proud that we have a lot of very engaged first- and second-years on the Sponsorship committee. Our first-years especially are so enthusiastic. It creates such a great energy in the room during meetings.
CM: What’s been the biggest challenge of the role so far?
KS: I think the biggest challenge, especially in the beginning, was realizing that I was responsible for taking initiative. I did a lot of preparation and work for Sponsorship in the summer and I was kind of waiting around for someone to tell me to start, until I realized it was all on me. That was super empowering, but also terrifying.
CM: What’s the number one thing you’re looking forward to this year – BCIT or MA-wise?
KS: Graduating. [Laughs]. But seriously, I’m most excited for the internship next semester. I’m also so excited for Schmooze and getting that experience with networking!
CM: What do you plan to do after BCIT?
KS: I would love to work as a marketer in the digital or tech industries. I did some temp work this summer and I found that in startup, technological environments, people really have their finger on the pulse of issues people are having. I think I want to work for a company that’s purpose driven and constantly striving to solve problems. They’re looking at what people are doing now and trying to make it better. They’re trying to improve processes and make people’s lives easier. I want to work in a space where people are working to make the world a better place.
CM: What tips would you give first years as they approach the end of their first semester at BCIT?
KS: Start studying for finals now. But, the biggest thing I’ve learned in second year that I wish I knew in first year is that it’s just BCIT. Your grades are not a reflection of your self-worth. If there’s a class or a subject that isn’t clicking with you or sticking in your brain, just do your best. Do what you can and move forward. It’ll be okay.
CM: Now for the lightening round! What’s your favourite course at the moment, and why?
KS: My favourite course is digital marketing. I love the subject and I love Erin Whittle!
CM: Favourite food?
KS: Macaroni and cheese, for sure.
CM: How do you spend your (limited) free time?
KS: I try to make time to see friends and go out for food. I like to drink wine. I also do a lot of volunteer work. In the past year, I’ve volunteered with the municipal Green Party, BC Children’s Hospital, and Park People, which is an organization all about bringing community initiatives to local parks.
CM: Favourite series available on Netflix?
KS: Ru Paul’s Drag Race is amazing, especially if you’re feeling sad. Also, Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
CM: Favourite book?
KS: I really like biographies written by funny women, so both of Mindy Kaling’s books are wonderful. She’s a really big inspiration of mine.
Q: Favourite Disney movie?
A: Mulan!
Q: Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?
A: First of all, if you know anyone who would like to donate wine to the BCIT MA, can you please tell me? [Laughs]. But also, I would love to make myself accessible to any first- or second-years who feel like they need help with anything. I would love to be a resource to you or just listen if you need someone to talk to. Even if you don’t know me, I would love to be that person for anyone who needs it.
* * *
Katie’s hard work and dedication to the MA has already made a massive impact on the organization’s success this year and we can’t wait to see what she does next!
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
